Chris Short and Mike Ciorrocco have known each other for most of their lives. They grew up together on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and during the years, they have been friends, teammates and business partners. After graduating from Salisbury State University, Chris and Mike went separate ways professionally. Chris began his career in the mortgage industry with Universal Mortgage & Finance, Inc (UMAFI) and Mike went on to become a top producing real estate agent. Shortly after, Mike transitioned from a realtor to a loan originator and began his career in the mortgage industry with UMAFI. The friendship was reunited in business as they both worked out of the Corporate office together for about five years. As time went on, the two friends joined forces, took their knowledge and experience and opened their first UMAFI office in Salisbury, MD in July 2011.

Being natives of the area, their business began to grow quickly and flourish as they began building relationships with the realtors and builders in their surrounding area. As time went on, they became the faces of UMAFI for the Maryland/Delaware market and made a tremendous name for themselves. Their competitors took notice, but by that time it was too late; Chris and Mike had figured out a way to inch out the competition. They are known in the communities they serve for being straight forward, honest and provide excellent customer service.

"We love working with Universal Mortgage and Finance, Inc. because of the support that we receive from the corporate underwriting and closing department. The "team" mentality shines through with the daily efforts given by all involved. There is a real "let's get it done" attitude that we are now known for in our markets. We are getting loans done that our competitors aren't because of our patience and knowledge of mortgage guidelines,” said the duo.

Since 2011, the duo has assisted the company with their recruiting efforts and has added several more offices to their division. These terrific businessmen are a great example of what a loan officer can become with the support of a company such as UMAFI!

If you are looking to purchase or refinance a residential or vacation property by the Maryland beaches, then this dynamic duo are the ones to call! Office: (410) 334-3583

Now Offering Construction to Perm for FHA, VA and Conventional Loans

UMAFI has added another program to its suite of loan programs, construction to perm. What is a Construction to Perm or 1-time close loan? It is a single loan to fund the purchase, or refinance of a lot and the costs of building a new home. The loan is underwritten once prior to closing, closed, construction phase administered, then modified upon completion to permanent phase.

The program has a few features and benefits. There is no need for requalification and no update to documents; meaning much less paperwork! No new appraisal is needed, interest rates are protected during construction, a cap rate and free float down, which provides the chance for lower rate at conversion and the rate is protected from rising. And finally one of the many benefits is the straight extended lock, which simply means the rate is locked throughout the construction phase. This is a great option for more conservative and cautious borrowers.

Alexander TorresBranch ManagerNMLS #265325

Latest Office Opening in Kissimmee, Florida

We welcome the newest addition to the UMAFI team Branch Manager Alexander Torres who will be overseeing operations in our latest office to open
in Kissimmee, Florida. Alexander and his team are ready to service the needs of homebuyers for Kissimmee, Hunter's Creek, Buena Ventura Lakes
and surrounding areas. If you are in the process of searching for your dream home and would like to obtain mortgage loan guidance, please contact Alexander Torres
to schedule a complementary consultation. Kissimmee, Florida Office -- NMLS #1582224

Also known as the "Mortgage Magician", Ernie Donaldson has played an intricate role in the growth of Universal Mortgage & Finance, Inc (UMAFI) since its inception. Like a magician, when it comes to Ernie, loans just simply appear and close before a blink of an eye. Ernie is on his seventeenth year with the company and is one of the very first employees to join the UMAFI Team back in 2000. Ernie’s loyalty and dedication to UMAFI has never wavered and he has been a valuable asset to the company over the years.

Ernie consistently maintains consistent business and usually lands himself in the top ten of the company loan officer leaderboard each month. Customer relationships are the foundation for Ernie’s success. He spends countless hours on coaching clients on the industry and helping them find the best product to suit their particular situation. His business is mainly referral based, and he receives referrals regularly from friends, family members and co-workers of previous clients. He uses his years of knowledge and experience to guide each client on the path that not only will best suit their needs, but makes them the most comfortable. He makes himself readily accessible to current and potential clients, by taking their inquiries mornings, nights and weekends. His ability to follow up with clients and get all the documentation needed to submit a clean file is extraordinary.

Director of Operations, Nicola McNeill, has worked with Ernie for over a decade and has always respected his work ethic. "Ernie is one of our Company’s best loan officers. He sets a very high bar for himself and peers with the customer service he delivers and the professionalism he demonstrates. Ernie is also very persistent and will move mountains to try to get his client’s loans to both qualify and close in a timely manner. These are only a few of Ernie’s attributes that distinguish him from other competitors in the industry. I have every confidence in Ernie as a loan officer and know that a loan is in excellent hands when it is referred to him. Ernie has been in the industry for over 20 years and still has the same fire and tenacity today as he did 10 years ago when I met him."

If you are in need of exceptional mortgage services then Ernie is only a phone call or email away!